Which suffix means disintegration?

• A. itis
• B. pathy
• C. lysis
• D. trophy

Answer: (C)

Disintegration in medical terminology is shown by a suffix that means to break down or dissolve. The suffix -lysis conveys this process of disintegration, as in cell lysis where the cell membrane breaks apart, or chemical hydrolysis where a compound is broken down by water. Other suffixes here have different meanings: -itis indicates inflammation, -pathy indicates disease or disorder, and -trophy indicates development or growth. Because -lysis directly denotes breakdown or dissolution, it best expresses disintegration.